On July 4th Americans across the US celebrated their independence in various traditional ways– from backyard barbeques to hometown parades to dazzling fireworks displays. Another great American tradition is helping others to help themselves. New Jersey ONE members had the opportunity to remind folks of that great tradition by walking in the annual Magnolia, New Jersey 4th of July parade. Along the parade route people shouted, “Hey, what’s ONE?“ and we shouted back, “Come visit our table at the fair to find out!“ And so they did!
Our ONE table was a popular attraction at the fair. We answered the question, “What is ONE?” and explained how we use our voices in the fight against extreme poverty and preventable diseases in the world’s poorest countries. We spent the afternoon talking with folks who were there to celebrate their country, yet they took the time to listen and appreciate what we at ONE are doing — using our voices to help others help themselves. Many of the people we spoke with were eager to add their name to our current petition asking Congress not to cut funding to PEPFAR and The Global Fund. You can add your name here.
It was a fantastic day and it made me very proud to be an American and that neighbors in my hometown of Magnolia opened their hearts to our neighbors in Africa!
To find out more about ONE in New Jersey please visit the ONE: Mid-Atlantic Facebook.
Barb Barrar, ONE Congressional District Leader